Friday, March 6, 2015

Peirce was founded on, and has historically been led by,
visionaries. In 1893, when numerous institutions of higher education embraced a
status quo that excluded women's participation in higher education, Peirce
leaders opted, instead, for inclusion. They blazed the trail and created an
environment that made education accessible, attainable, and relevant for women.
This month’s 150th anniversary cartoon celebrates Peirce’s unwavering focus and
commitment to women and the development of their—of our-- leadership.

Today, we continue the Peirce tradition of serving women. In
fact, well over 70% of our students are women, many of them pursuing an
education while also juggling myriad responsibilities including family, work,
and community. Since opening our doors to women, we have always ensured
they have been supported.

Our celebration of women and support of their development
and leadership couldn’t be more timely!
After all, March is Women’s History Month! It is also the springboard for the
implementation of our College’s three-year Strategic Plan. We are currently in the process of
implementing our next wave of innovation, expanding our geographic footprint,
deepening our relationships with businesses, and providing even more expedient
paths to degree completion complemented by customized support services. All that we do will continue to support the
women we educate and serve.

Going forward, our next 150 years will expand the work we
have done in our first 150. Back then, we were not afraid to embrace
change. Today, we are even further
driven and more proud than ever of our pioneering spirit. It’s simply been a
part of the Peirce DNA. It is this
makeup that has kept us steadfast in our commitment to educating and empowering
women. As the needs of women have
evolved, both personally and professionally, we have decided to not just keep
pace. Instead, we have resolved to be as proactive as we were when our first
leader, Thomas May Peirce, vowed that following the beaten path and accepting
the norm wasn’t good enough for Peirce College. We remain committed to his
courageous vision and spirit.

We invite you to celebrate Women’s History Month with us
throughout the month of March and beyond.
You can start by joining us in the weeks ahead by participating in two
informative events at Peirce College:

Women in Leadership Speaker Series: This panel discussion
featuring senior leaders from local businesses and industries will be held on
March 12th. Here, we will also honor two outstanding Peirce women who have done
remarkable work academically and professionally.

Women Who Are Leaders in Intimate Partner Violence: This
event is a discussion led by our Legal Studies Division. We will be featuring Peirce College Professor
and victim advocate, Kate Watson, along with Assistant Professor and Criminal
Justice Studies program manager, Bob Brzenchek. The event will also feature
other speakers including a representative from Philadelphia Police Department’s
Special Victims Unit. The discussion will be held on March 17th, from 5:30-7PM
during the Criminal Justice Studies capstone course.

In March, we hone in on and celebrate women as students,
graduates, employees, and stakeholders. But our commitment isn’t limited by the
constraints of a calendar. Just as we did 150 years ago, we will continue our
legacy of celebrating, educating and supporting all students with quality and
equality year-round. It was our leader’s
decision in our initial stages and it remains a constant we are most proud of
today.